We investigate the entanglement dynamics between two distant qubits by analyzing correlations in the quantum Ising model. Starting from the spin system in a paramagnetic regime enforced by the external magnetic field $B$, we then switch on the ferromagnetic spin-spin coupling $J$. Using the large coordination number expansion, we consider two limiting switching regimes: (1) adiabatic, which monitors the evolution of the ground state through the quantum transition to an ordered state; and (2) instantaneous (quench) which monitors instead the propagation of quantum fluctuations and simulates the generation of long range correlations. In particular, we find that quantum fluctuations propagate with twice the group speed of excitations in the equilibrium state of the system.